Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Frequently Asked Questions

“Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?”

Mount Kilimanjaro (affectionately referred to as Kili) is located in the north-east corner of Tanzania right on the border of Kenya, and adjacent to Mount Meru (3o 04’ 33’’ S, 37o 21’ 12’’ E). The closest local town is Moshi and Mount Kilimanjaro forms part of East Africa’s Rift Mountains.

“What’s so special about summiting Kili?”

We hope you’ll be able to answer this, otherwise you wouldn’t be taking on such a challenge, but we’ll do our best to answer you. The desire to summit Kilimanjaro varies from climber to climber. It may be born out of a lifelong dream, a personal challenge or even a dare! Whatever your reasoning is for navigating Kili’s slopes, there’s something extremely fulfilling about watching the sun rise over Uhuru Peak on summit day.

“Which route should I climb?”

There are five routes to Uhuru Peak (excluding the Shira Route which is a 4×4 route), so you will be spoilt for choice. This is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to your climb and a certain degree of thought should be given to it. Each route varies in scenery, difficulty and popularity. While we won’t be able to go into the finer details of each route in this article, you can read about the different routes by following this link.

“How long is a Kilimanjaro climb?”

This will depend on the route you take to Uhuru. Climbs vary from 5 days and 4 nights, to 8 days and 7 nights. Some routes are more challenging than others and climbers sometimes add an extra night to acclimatise and increase their chances of summiting.

“When is the best time to climb?”

First and foremost, you would want to consider the weather conditions. The months of April, May and November are not recommended for climbing. There are high chances of cloud cover and precipitation, making conditions treacherous and dangerous. Apart from those three months (as well as a portion of March), the rest of the year has favourable conditions for climbing. Your second consideration is the number of climbers on the slopes at the time of your climb. This may not phase some climbers, but if it phases you then it’s good to give it some consideration.

Climbing Conditions, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Month

Temperature

Precipitation

Cloudiness

Crowds

January

Warm

Medium

Low

High

February

Warm

Medium

Low

High

March

Moderate

High

Medium

Low

April

Moderate

High

High

Low

May

Moderate

High

High

Low

June

Cold

Medium

Medium

Medium

July

Cold

Medium

Low

High

August

Cold

Low

Low

High

September

Moderate

Low

Low

High

October

Moderate

Low

Medium

Medium

November

Moderate

High

Medium

Low

December

Moderate

Medium

Medium

Medium

Recommended conditions: January, February, July, August, September and October Good conditions: June and December Okay conditions: March Not recommended: April, May and November (Including the end of March)

“What are the sleeping arrangements?”

There are no five-star hotels where you’re heading. Unless you are on the Marangu Route where there will be huts, accommodation on Kilimanjaro will be in tents. A warm sleeping bag is a must and a sleeping bag inner (also known as a travel sheet) will add that extra bit of warmth. After a hard days hiking, sleep will be a welcome relief. To make the most of it, make sure you have all the necessary equipment to keep you comfortable and warm.

“What are the meals like during the climb?”

You definitely won’t have the kitchen pantry at your disposal, but you will still have nutritious and tasty meals prepared for you. If you have any dietary requirements, then make sure your tour operator is aware of them.

A typical breakfast involves eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, a piece of fruit, some bread (either with jam, honey or peanut butter) and a mug or two of tea, hot chocolate or coffee.

Lunch is usually prepared during breakfast and carried by climbers in their day packs. Usually consisting of a boiled egg, sandwiches, a piece of fruit, some bread (with jam, honey or peanut butter) and a mug of tea, hot chocolate or coffee.

At the end of the day’s hiking, there is usually ‘afternoon tea’, served with biscuits, peanuts and salted popcorn. Dinner usually begins with a steaming bowl of soup, followed by the main course (chicken or some other meat, vegetable sauce and rice or pasta).

It’s recommended to carry some energy bars with you on your climb to snack on. This will provide added energy and help you on your way to Uhuru Peak.

“Any guidelines on tipping my porters?”

Your porters are a big reason why you’ll hopefully be standing tall on the top of Africa. Apart from setting up your tents, preparing your meals and being mindful of your safety, they (more than anyone) want to see you make it to Uhuru Peak. Your tips should not be dependent on whether you made it to the summit or not. Your tips should reflect whether your supporting team were professional and had your safety and best interests in mind from start to finish. We’ve introduced a system to make sure every climber, on completion of the climb, completes a form stating the amount being given as a tip. This way the tip allocations are transparent and fair. Speak to us about this system so you can take tips into consideration for your climb.

“Should I train for my Kilimanjaro climb?”

Kilimanjaro doesn’t discriminate when it comes to climbers. You could be the fittest person in your group and it will still be one of the most physically (and mentally) demanding challenges in your life. Good preparation will ensure a comfortable climb and a higher chance of successfully summiting. We recommend putting together a program of light aerobic fitness coupled with strengthening exercises (particularly leg and core strengthening). Please speak to us if you don’t know where to start in putting together a training regime.

“Should I be concerned about altitude sickness?”

You’ve probably heard the term ‘altitude sickness’ being thrown around in climbing circles, or amongst your friends and family. Perhaps you saw it while watching Vertical Limit. Altitude sickness occurs when the body is unable to acclimatise adequately to a rapid increase in altitude. Some symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, lack of appetite, exhaustion, muscle aches, rapid pulse even at rest (+/- 120 beats per minute) and insomnia. Here are some tips and precautions when it comes to altitude sickness:

Consider adding an extra night prior to booking your hike. This will give your body more time to adequately acclimatise. Some routes are longer, which means they cost a bit more, but this may just ensure a better chance of successfully summiting.

Maintain a slow and steady pace. It’s not a race and there’s little point in trying to out-climb everyone.

Drink at least 4 – 6 litres of water each day.

Always listen to your porter. They will be a great judge of whether you are going too fast. They are also very familiar with the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Medications are available to combat altitude sickness. Consult your doctor on the availability of these medications.

“Should I bring any medication?”

We’ve put together a short list of some medications and suggested items for a medical kit:

Sun protection –You’re already competing with the slopes of Kili, so you don’t want to make it more difficult by competing with the sun too. Bring sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) and lip-ice (balm), applying it regularly. A good pair of sunglasses or hiking goggles is a must. Snow blindness is very painful and it’s one memory you don’t want to take home with you.

Pain killers and headache tablets – Make sure they are not too strong, as they could mask other symptoms.

Basic anti-septic and plasters – Mostly for cuts and blisters. Especially for your feet and hands.

Anti-nausea tablets – Great to have on you in case you encounter altitude sickness.

Water purification tablets – Mountain streams may look unspoiled, but they may not be. Make sure you have enough tablets for 5 – 6 litres of water a day, multiplied by how many days your hike will be.

Eye drops – These are great for protecting your eyes against dust and other particles, as well as against the glare of snow and ice.

Rehydrate salts – Can be used in cases of dehydration, but they are also good for replenishing the salts your muscles have lost during your hike.

Malaria prophylaxis – Mainly for pre- and post-hike nights in Moshi. Consult your doctor and let them know you are climbing Kilimanjaro as some medicines have side-effects and may affect your climb.

Anti-inflammatory tablets – For aching muscles and joints. Particularly when you have to make the descent.

“Any other nuggets of wisdom I should be aware of?”

Your first two days are the most crucial. It’s important to go slowly, very slowly… even if you are feeling well.

When you start layering up considerably, it becomes more difficult to keep track of how much you’re sweating and this means dehydration can sneak up on you. Stick to the recommended 4 – 6 litres of water a day.

Avoid saving a few extra dollars. It’s better to spend a bit extra to make sure you have all that you need on Kili’s slopes. When you skimp on a few dollars you may also be putting your safety and summit chances at risk.

Choose a reputable, local and experienced tour operator. There are some ‘fly-by night operators’ looking to make a few dollars at the expense of your safety and enjoyment. Do your homework on the tour operator you’re thinking of partnering with.

Preparation. Guided tours have meant that summiting Kili is not as difficult as it once was, but this still doesn’t make it a cake-walk. Preparation for your Kili climb cannot be stressed enough. From making sure you have all the necessary equipment (and more) to ensuring that you’re fighting fit once you set foot on the slopes.

Towering over Tanzania’s sunlit plains, Mount Kilimanjaro has welcomed tens of thousands of climbers ever since it was first summited in 1889. Not everyone has made it to Africa’s highest point though and it’s for this reason why climbers continue to take on Kili’s slopes. Armed with a little more information (hopefully with a few of your questions answered), you can now look forward to your Kili climb, feeling a little more prepared for what’s ahead. For a look at our Kilimanjaro packages click here, or to make a reservation please email reservations@wildfrontiers.com.

RECENT TESTIMONIALS

Our guide for the first part of the tour, Joseph Mutebi, was outstanding. In addition to being a very safe driver, he was very attentive to our needs and made us feel most welcome in Uganda from the first moment we stepped out of the airport arrivals hall. He has an exceptionally sharp eye for spotting birds (and other wildlife), and a keen ear for bird calls as well. He was very patient and proficient in helping us to locate and see what he had spotted, and he could identify the birds as quickly and accurately as the local guides (even with their specialized local knowledge). We had a nice birding rhythm and a great tour with Joseph, and we were very sorry when we had to say goodbye to him midway through our tour. We have travelled extensively in southern and eastern Africa, and we can honestly say that Joseph is one of the finest guides we have encountered.

Mr Lund

Mr Lund (Uganda – exceptionally sharp eye for spotting birds)

I’m just back from a great trip to Botswana. We had a wonderful time. The accommodations were first class, the transports were seamless, and we saw a lot of animals. Thank you for all your work putting the itinerary together and making the reservations.

Catherine

Catherine Griffith (Wonderfull Botswana trip)

We want to thank you for the wonderful itinerary that you developed for us last week in Botswana and Zimbabwe. We enjoyed each area and all that they had to offer. But, we had to admit that our favorite was Moremi Crossing. The people, food, accomodations and activities were delightful, personable and relaxing.

Again, many thanks for making our African experience so memorable.

Sincerely Ed and Elizabeth Griffith

Ed and Elizabeth Griffith (Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari)

Hi I just wanted to tell you that we stayed at your Serengeti Wilderness Camp, and it was just terrific. It was a great blend of simple and rustic, but still comfortable. Mostly, I wanted to compliment the staff. They were all very professional and saw to our every need. And highest marks must go to your amazing chef. I wish we could have stayed long enough to try every menu. If he opened a restaurant in Los Angeles, people would flock to it! So thank you so much! I have relatives planning to come to Tanzania in the fall- do you have your rates for that time set? It would be two couples in two separate tents.

Thanks so much! Joe Correll

Joe Correll (Terrific stay at Serengeti Wilderness Camp)

It was nothing short of amazing. There was sooooooo much about the trip and country that amazed us, we were totally impressed. The serengeti lived up to it’s reputation for viewing and the crater – “WOW”!! – at one stage I turned to Syd and said “I think this is what the garden of Eden was like” it is definately one thing that should go on everyone’s bucket list.

Lauraine Reese

Lauraine Reese (Serengeti Adventure)

Thank you for following up. We had a wonderful time on our safari! Our guide, John Lantara was excellent, the accommodations were great, and generally the food was quite good. They gave us far too much food, we were stuffed by the end. I’m surprised our flight from Serengeti could get off the ground 🙂

Best regards, Karyn

Karyn Mackie (Tanzania Safari)

ENQUIRE NOW

Our offices are open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Feel free to get hold of us right away: